MLB Player News

At this point, someone should probably encase Mason Miller in bubble wrap. It’s been a brutal start to the season for elite closers, with Duran the latest to hit the injured list. The hard-throwing 28-year-old stopper is likely facing a multi-week absence, even in a best-case scenario, after logging five saves to accompany a microscopic 1.35 ERA across 6 2/3 innings of work this season. There should be an official timeline from the Phillies at some point soon. Orion Kerkering has the stuff to close games and José Alvarado’s previous closing experience make him a potential option in certain matchups. However, Brad Keller is the logical choice to take over the ninth inning in Philadelphia, which makes him worthy of a roster spot in all fantasy leagues.

Velázquez flew out against Sean Newcomb after hitting for Taylor Trammell in the sixth. He got another chance versus the lefty in the eighth and roped a 107-mph liner. Velázquez also homered in his last start Monday. He’s just 2-for-17 during his time with the Astros, but he’s managed five RBI. He’ll probably be back on the bench Thursday with the White Sox starting a righty.

The longest scoreless outing of Wesneski’s career didn’t get him a win, since the Astros didn’t take the lead until the bottom of the eighth. Still, he is 4-1 in seven starts since returning from elbow surgery, and his ERA is sitting at 3.18 right now. He’s slated to make his next start Tuesday in Philadelphia.

It’s Hader’s 19th straight scoreless appearance. He’s sporting a 0.72 ERA in 38 games overall.

After missing a couple of turns with a finger blister, Martin put together his best showing in a couple of months tonight, though since the White Sox never scored, he still couldn’t get a win. He’s 0-4 in 12 starts since opening up 9-2 in his first 13 outings. He’ll face the Pirates and probably the Cardinals next week, so those hunting wins — his luck has to change sometime, right? — could give him a try and hope for the best.

Webb was struck on the right forearm by a 102.5 mph comebacker from Christian Yelich in the ninth inning. The 33-year-old has been an unexpected revelation this season, emerging as Chicago’s primary closer. He’ll likely head for X-rays to determine whether he suffered any fractures. There should be an update on his status before Thursday’s series finale. It would most likely be Daniel Palencia taking over if Webb misses any time.

Morabito was called back up this week after the Mets waived Luis Robert Jr. and he finally notched his first career hit. He spent a few days up the the club early this season, but didn’t break through until his three-run double here which gave the Mets some valuable insurance. He’ll likely be operating more as their fourth outfielder, but is a pesky hitter who has the speed to steal bases should he get the opportunities to do so.

Working in an abbreviated role, Hagenman was solid for three innings. He threw way more four seam fastballs than in his last few times out with the big league club, but that pitch was a bit erratic. Instead, his cutter and changeup were each effective and more than enough to get through this Rays lineup one and a half times. We’re not sure what his role will be the next time around the Mets rotation.

Palacios’ sixth home run of the season got out in a hurry as he yanked it down the right field line. It was his first long ball since August 3rd as he tries to find some type of consistency at the plate as he remains the Rays’ strong-side platoon starter at second base.

Jax was abysmal in his return from an elbow injury. The Mets jumped on him for three runs right away in the top of the first inning and then added three more in the third. In total, nine of the 14 balls the Mets put in play off Jax were hard-hit as their left-handed heavy lineup consistently teed off on his changeup. We expected him to be rusty in his first start back, but this was a catastrophe. Also, it’s important to note that his velocity was down about one mile per hour across the board. He’ll have a chance to right the ship next Wednesday on the road against the Braves.

Pitching with a huge lead after the second inning, Cease cruised to his 10th win of the season here. It was more of an old school outing for Cease though as he leaned heavily on his fastball and slider without throwing many changeups. That pitch was all over the place, about five ticks slower than its season average, and a few floated on him so it made sense that he went away from it. Nevertheless, Cease left this start with a 2.25 ERA as he continues to work towards his first Cy Young award. He has a two-start week coming up first against the Athletics in Sacramento and then back home for a meeting with the Orioles.